Staff Physician, Cardiac Surgery

University of California - Los Angeles Health; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 142,100 - 348,100; Full time

Job summary

UCLA Health is seeking a board‑certified Cardiac Surgeon to join our Heart & Lung Transplantation and Cardiac Surgery Programs as a Senior Physician focusing on thoracic organ procurement and first assisting in surgery. This role offers a highly specialized, mission‑driven environment within one of the nation’s leading academic health systems in Los Angeles.

You will perform independent procurement of heart and lungs for transplantation, serve as first assistant on complex cardiac procedures,

Qualifications

• MD or DO credential required.
• Board certification/eligibility in cardiothoracic surgery.
• Active/Eligible California medical license.
• Experience in transplantation and donor organ procurement.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent procurement of heart and lungs for transplantation.
• Serve as first assistant on cardiac surgery procedures.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary transplant and surgical teams to support high‑quality patient outcomes.
• Contribute to resident education and surgical teaching within an academic environment.

Skills

Surgical skillset

Transplant experience

Donor organ procurement

Team collaboration

Resident education

Education

MD or DO

Board Certified or Board Eligible in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Tools

Epic Systems

Job description

Description

UCLA Health is seeking a board‑certified Cardiac Surgeon to join our Heart & Lung Transplantation and Cardiac Surgery Programs as a Senior Physician focusing on thoracic organ procurement and first assisting in surgery. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a highly specialized, mission‑driven program supporting advanced cardiac care, including transplantation and complex surgical procedures. The position is designed for surgeons with strong operative experience who are interested in a collaborative role focused on organ procurement, surgical support, and resident education within one of the nation’s leading academic health systems.

What you can do

• Utilize your advanced surgical skills in a high‑acuity, collaborative environment
• Collaborate with some of the world’s top physicians and researchers at the David Geffen School of Medicine
• Work within a highly innovative practice environment, including Epic Systems
• Discover tremendous professional rewards with one of Forbes’ "Best In-State Employers"
• Deliver leading‑edge patient care
• Enjoy an excellent salary, incentive and benefits program
• Grow your medical career with one of California’s top hospitals

In this role you will

• Perform independent procurement of heart and lungs for transplantation
• Serve as first assistant on cardiac surgery procedures, including transplantation, adult cardiac surgery, and congenital cardiac cases
• Participate in surgical care across multiple UCLA Health facilities, including Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and UCLA West Valley Medical Center
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary transplant and surgical teams to support high‑quality patient outcomes
• Contribute to resident education and surgical teaching within an academic environment

Salary

The University of California, Los Angeles is required to provide an estimate of the salary range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions. Salary offers are determined based on candidate qualifications and experience. The target salary range for this position is 142,100-348,100 annual base salary. Productivity models, Quality Incentives, and additional income channels will be determined per the direction of the Medical Director.

Living in West Los Angeles

West Los Angeles offers a dynamic blend of urban convenience and coastal lifestyle, with close proximity to Santa Monica, Brentwood, and Beverly Hills. The area provides access to world‑class dining, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation, along with top‑rated schools and diverse neighborhoods. Physicians benefit from both the energy of Los Angeles and the support of UCLA Health's flagship academic medical center.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• MD or DO
• Board Certified or Board Eligible in Cardiothoracic Surgery by ABTS
• Active/Eligible California medical license
• Demonstrated surgical skillset aligned with scope of practice
• Familiarity with adult cardiac surgical procedures
• Prior experience or exposure to transplantation and donor organ procurement